Lili Novy Garden

The Lili Novy Garden, located at Tomšičeva ulica 12 in Ljubljana, is a place that promises a poetic experience with its name alone. Named after the famous Slovenian poet and translator Lili Novy, whose spirit permeates this culturally rich location, the garden is located in the immediate vicinity of the Slovenian Writers' Association, the National Gallery and the Modern Gallery. It is managed by the well-known hospitality group Kaval Group, which sets certain expectations in terms of quality and service. However, the guest experience is often made up of two extremes: an exceptional ambiance and service that leaves mixed feelings.

A refuge in the middle of the city: Ambience and location

The strongest asset of Vrt Lili Novy is undoubtedly its restaurant ambience . It is one of the most beautiful and most hidden gardens in the city center, a true green oasis that offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The space was designed by Biro Triiije arhitekti in collaboration with landscape architect Svit Oliver Katanc, with a clear vision of preserving and emphasizing the existing trees, which with their crowns create pleasant shade and a sense of privacy. Guests can choose from various corners, from more intimate to those in the center of the action. Due to its location and design, the garden is ideal for a relaxed coffee, an afternoon drink or as a stopover after visiting nearby cultural institutions. In the evenings, the space comes alive with the glow of lights, and is often enriched by musical and literary events, which adds to its appeal.

Cultural and social pulse

Vrt is not just a café in Ljubljana ; it is designed as a cultural and social hub. Its program of jazz evenings and literary events promises to enrich the city's cultural life, placing it alongside similar establishments in European capitals. This combination of a relaxed dining environment and cultural content is what creates its unique potential and attracts visitors who are looking for more than just good food or drinks.

Mixed feelings: Offer and service

Despite its great potential, Vrt Lili Novy faces obvious challenges, which are highlighted by many guests. The most criticism is directed at the restaurant service , which many consider to be the restaurant's biggest shortcoming. The reviews and opinions of visitors paint a fairly consistent picture.

Criticisms of service and organization

Guests often report long waits, both for taking orders and for service. Some have left the establishment without being served, even after waiting half an hour. There are complaints about disorganization, confusion and lack of experience among the staff. The impression is that there are sometimes too few staff, or that the existing team is not properly managed to handle the number of guests attracted by the beautiful ambiance. Critics also mention the disinterested, sometimes even superior attitude of some waiters, which greatly spoils the entire experience. Problems such as dirty tables and ashtrays that are left untidy indicate systemic shortcomings in the organization of work.

Quality of supply: Between excesses and slip-ups

Food and drinks , which should be the main focus of the offer, also receive mixed reviews. On the one hand, they offer interesting products, such as the NEIPA Novy beer, made in collaboration with Maister Brewery, and desserts from the renowned Lolita pastry shop. On the other hand, guests report specific shortcomings that should not be part of the offer of a place with such a reputation and price range (level 2).

• Coffee: There is mention of serving burnt espresso at a price of €2.40, which is unacceptable for coffee lovers.
• Cocktails: The experience with a non-alcoholic mojito, described as "water with ice, regular sugar and dried mint leaves" for €5.90, shows a lack of basic knowledge in making drinks.
• Equipment: Serving the cake with an ice cream spoon, because they're not supposed to have a fork, is a small detail, but it says a lot about the attention to detail and care for the guest.

These inconsistencies in quality show that a beautiful menu on paper does not always guarantee the same quality on the table. This is especially problematic as the Kaval Group is known for its high standards at its other, very successful restaurants, such as Restavracija Strelec and the PEN KLUB restaurant located in the same building.

Final restaurant rating : City of contrasts

Vrt Lili Novy is an example of a place where great potential meets real challenges in execution. It is a restaurant in Ljubljana that is worth visiting for its unique, almost magical garden. It is a place that offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments. However, potential guests should be prepared for the possibility that the experience will not be flawless.

If you are deciding where to have lunch or a drink and your main goal is to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, you are patient and do not mind any mistakes in the service, then Vrt Lili Novy may be the right choice. However, if you expect impeccable, fast and professional service and a consistently high quality of the offer that would match the ambiance, there is a risk of disappointment. In short, Vrt Lili Novy is a pearl with a few scratches. It is hoped that the management will recognize the repeated criticisms and put effort into improving the service, as this would allow the place to shine in its full potential and become one of the most desirable spots in the city, not only because of its appearance, but also because of the overall experience.